SEATTLE, 27 Feb. 2010. Boeing (NYSE: BA) and United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) finalized an order for 25 Dreamliner 787-8 jetliners. The agreement includes the opportunity to purchase another 50 Dreamliners.
"Boeing and United Airlines share an 80-year partnership," says Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "United, which launched the Boeing 777, now begins a new chapter with the 787 Dreamliner, the most technologically advanced commercial jetliner ever built."
"United's Boeing 787 order represents a substantial investment in our future and will enhance the significant progress we are making in improving the global competitiveness of our company while providing the opportunity to open new profitable markets and serve a broader range of international destinations," says John Tague, president of United Airlines.
United expects to take delivery of the 787s at the same time it will begin to retire its Boeing 747s and 767s operating on international routes. The order is valued at $4.2 billion at average list prices.
The 787 Dreamliner, currently in flight test, will provide greater fuel efficiency, allowing airlines to add new, nonstop city pairs and the additional frequencies that passengers prefer. The 787 also promises a more comfortable flying experience for passengers. Its innovations include a new interior environment with improvements in air filtration, higher cabin pressurization resulting in reduced physical fatigue, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.
Including United Airlines, 57 customers around the world have ordered 876 Dreamliners, making the 787 the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history, Boeing officials say.
